Intel Corp.(INTC) will add Red Hat's version of Linux to the Intel server platforms, which in turn are part of Intel's recently-launched ISP program.

The combined services offers customers open source software to support the Internet server environment. The two companies will both offer services and support for the Internet server platform.

"The unique demands of ISPs and other enterprise server environments are well addressed by the stability and power of open source and the Red Hat Linux operating system," said Tim Buckley, senior vice
president and chief operating officer of Red Hat (RHAT).

"Intel's rapidly growing ISP program and server building blocks, coupled with Red Hat's open source and open source services expertise makes this a promising collaboration for both companies."

Intel added that it expects increasing demand for server platforms with the Linux operating system, and that the deal will also provide Intel with a wider range of services to offer its ISP customers.

IDC research shows that Linux was the fastest-growing server operating environment in 1998, with Red Hat Linux topping the list as the most popular distribution form.